Shipping. Hard Lesson.

Since UPS did the packing, imo you have a good chance of getting a favorable settlement. I think their default response in the event of shipping damage is to automatically deny all claims on the grounds of "inadequate packaging", which they can’t really do in this case because they did the packaging. My negative opinion of UPS opinion is based on multiple bad experiences which I won’t bore you with.

The one time Fed Ex damaged something (because the driver slipped and fell on the ice in the street in front of my house), they did an inspection and found my packaging to be adequate and paid my claim.

Duke

I know for many space is an issue and they can't keep the original packaging that came with equipment.  I've added years ago lots of extra shelving in my garage that i use to store the shipping boxes that came with my equipment.  That is very important to me.  I've found that most manufacturers are really good at packaging their equipment and their packaging is typically adequate.

For large, heavy equipment I use shipping crates that can only be shipped one way.  

Turntables are hard, which is why getting the original manufacturers shipping boxes is essential.  

Sorry about the damage you incurred.  In this type of case, I don't want to cross my fingers and hope for the best, I plan on worst case on shipping.  So I pack very well, typically using manufacturer's shipping boxes, double box or crate.  Upside down, sideways, whatever, it shouldn't affect the equipment, it should be that well packed.  

I remember going on a flight to Hawaii years ago and we were taxiing for takeoff.  We saw a long baggage handler that took baggage from an airplane transporting them to the terminal.  A large bag fell off on the taxi way and the driver didn't notice.

My lesson from years of Audio is, don't throw away my equipment boxes and crates.  If I move or sell items, I'm definitely going to need the correct packaging. 

I do understand that many rent or don't have space to keep the packaging.  

Insurance on shipping is a good idea, however, they really try hard to not pay out.  They will find any excuse to avoid paying out.  

Take pictures of the packaging before shipping, while packing, keep your receipts.  Also, a hard lesson for me was when I shipped a Naim Unitiserve music server via USPS (insured) to the east coast of the USA for repair. Naim had no repair facility on the West Coast.  Correct packaging, etc.  The USPS lost the item.  I filed a claim and sent them evidence that I had purchased the item.  Guess what?  They denied the claim saying that the Audiogon receipt I had (I purchased it used on Audiogon) wasn't adequate for their insurance claim process.  Really?????

That was the only receipt I was going to get.

Oh well, 

enjoy

It is going to be interesting to see what happens to this unit. UPS has not said yet.

There is a chance the unit might still work.

Some folks have said UPS will ship it back to the original owner. Others say they leave it with the buyer. Others say UPS keeps it.

I told the buyer if they want to leave it with him that is fine by me. This has been a big hassle for him and if it works then good for him.


But, if they will ship it back to me I may keep it and rethink my whole system(s). It will be ugly but it will likely be out of sight anyway. Of course if _they_ ship it back I'm sure it will be utterly destroyed after a second trip in their tender hands.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/what-is-going-on-at-federal-express

ALWAYS keep the manufacturer's original packaging with the piece.
The manufacturer had the packaging developed and proved fit for purpose and shipped hundreds of pieced to prove it.
I have original packaging for pieces I bought in the 1980s.  Kept in a very dry place.

Many amps are very heavy.  When the package is thrown around the weight will generate large forces against any packaging.  No use packing a 200lb amp in cardboard, even three-box.  It will smash it up if (when) handled carelessly.

My Krell KRS200s are 185lb a side and came in huge reinforced wooden shipping crates lined with foam.  It's tough but I've stored them since 1989.  They have been used more than once, for servicing and then a full rebuild with Absolute Sounds.

One good thing about very heavy amps; shippers aren't big or strong enough to throw them around!!